&c_n &c_n 4._o hereby_o they_o may_v not_o only_a hope_n and_o pray_v but_o be_v encourage_v to_o believe_v concern_v their_o child_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o those_o who_o be_v in_o covenant_n among_o they_o that_o god_n will_v do_v they_o good_a as_o they_o conclude_v mercy_n to_o the_o remnant_n forgiuness_n of_o their_o sin_n with_o faith_n upon_o this_o ground_n thou_o will_v remember_v the_o truth_n to_o jacob_n and_o thy_o mercy_n to_o abraham_n swear_v unto_o our_o father_n in_o day_n of_o old_a micah_n 7.18_o 20._o this_o indeed_o be_v the_o child_n faith_n for_o themselves_o and_o their_o child_n but_o so_o it_o may_v be_v a_o ground_n of_o parent_n faith_n and_o if_o we_o pray_v for_o our_o child_n why_o shall_v we_o doubt_v leave_v only_a secret_n to_o god_n if_o we_o see_v they_o die_v before_o they_o reject_v the_o gospel_n positive_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n for_o any_o man_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o child_n if_o he_o die_v or_o that_o god_n will_v not_o do_v good_a to_o his_o child_n in_o time_n if_o he_o live_v 5._o this_o stir_v up_o their_o heart_n to_o be_v the_o more_o sincere_o holy_a and_o keep_v in_o with_o god_n because_o of_o their_o child_n and_o to_o educate_v they_o with_o more_o care_n and_o watchfulness_n because_o they_o be_v the_o lord_n child_n as_o well_o as_o they_o they_o be_v not_o common_a but_o holy_a vessel_n and_o therefore_o let_v they_o see_v that_o they_o be_v not_o defile_v and_o hence_o we_o find_v that_o when_o god_n exhort's_n to_o any_o duty_n of_o holiness_n in_o scripture_n he_o oft_o make_v this_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o i_o be_o your_o god_n and_o hence_o god_n aggravate_v their_o sin_n in_o offer_v their_o child_n to_o molech_n ezek._n 16._o because_o they_o be_v his_o child_n that_o shall_v have_v be_v better_o use_v 3._o in_o respect_n of_o themselves_o the_o good_a be_v very_o great_a 1._o it_o be_v a_o special_a mean_n to_o prevent_v sin_n deut._n 29._o i_o make_v this_o covenant_n not_o only_o with_o he_o that_o be_v present_a but_o with_o your_o seed_n also_o who_o be_v not_o here_o verse_n 15_o let_v there_o shall_v be_v among_o you_o man_n or_o woman_n family_n or_o tribe_n who_o heart_n turn_v away_o from_o god_n and_o lest_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o root_n of_o gall_n and_o wormwood_n and_o indeed_o it_o mighty_o work_v on_o the_o heart_n to_o think_v shall_v i_o who_o god_n have_v choose_v to_o be_v his_o be_v my_o own_o or_o be_v the_o devil_n or_o be_v my_o lust_n &_o c_o 2._o it_o be_v a_o strong_a motive_n &_o engagement_n upon_o they_o to_o forsake_v sin_n even_o the_o uncircumcision_n and_o sin_n of_o their_o heart_n as_o be_v evident_a deut._n 10.15_o 16._o the_o lord_n have_v a_o delight_n to_o choose_v the_o seed_n of_o your_o father_n even_o you_o to_o be_v his_o people_n as_o it_o be_v this_o day_n what_o follow_v we_o therefore_o circumcise_v the_o foreskin_n of_o your_o heart_n and_o be_v no_o more_o stiff-necked_a 3._o it_o be_v a_o special_a help_n as_o to_o avert_v their_o heart_n from_o sin_n so_o to_o convert_v &_o turn_v they_o to_o god_n &_o to_o make_v they_o look_v towards_o god_n that_o he_o will_v turn_v they_o when_o perhaps_o they_o be_v without_o any_o hope_n in_o other_o respect_n of_o mercy_n or_o of_o be_v able_a by_o any_o mean_n they_o can_v use_v to_o turn_v themselves_o this_o be_v evident_a act_v 3.19_o with_o verse_n 25._o repent_v and_o be_v convert_v for_o you_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o our_o father_n this_o draw_v their_o heart_n when_o they_o see_v how_o god_n call_v they_o to_o return_v jer._n 3.22_o come_v unto_o i_o you_o back_o slide_v child_n &c_n &c_n we_o câ—me_v unto_o thou_o for_o thou_o be_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n when_o backslide_v ephraim_n can_v not_o convert_v himself_o he_o cry_v unto_o god_n oh_o turn_v i_o and_o i_o shall_v be_v turn_v for_o thou_o be_v the_o lord_n my_o god_n jer._n 31.18_o which_o place_n can_v be_v mean_v of_o be_v their_o god_n only_o by_o internal_a covenant_n in_o give_v to_o they_o the_o special_a benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o than_o they_o shall_v be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o have_v remission_n of_o all_o their_o sin_n &c_n &c_n before_o they_o be_v turn_v or_o before_o faith_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o be_v a_o god_n in_o outward_a and_o external_a church-covenant_n which_o be_v no_o small_a motive_n and_o load_v one_o to_o believe_v and_o although_o many_o do_v not_o believe_v and_o will_v not_o be_v turn_v yet_o this_o covenant_n be_v a_o high_a privilege_n and_o great_a favour_n fit_a in_o itself_o to_o draw_v to_o god_n though_o many_o believe_v not_o and_o hence_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v great_a in_o have_v god_n oracle_n which_o contain_v god_n covenant_n commit_v to_o they_o though_o some_o believe_v noâ—_n which_o unbelief_n make_v not_o he_o say_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n i._n e._n god_n promise_n or_o covenant_n of_o none_o effect_n or_o a_o uneffectual_a and_o fruitless_a covenant_n for_o this_o word_n of_o god_n covenant_n shall_v take_v some_o effect_n among_o some_o such_o as_o be_v in_o it_o which_o therefore_o be_v a_o privilege_n though_o many_o perish_v as_o be_v evident_a rom._n 9.4_o 6._o 4._o it_o be_v a_o special_a mean_n of_o bind_v they_o fast_o to_o god_n when_o they_o be_v turn_v jer._n 13.11_o as_o the_o girdle_n cleave_v unto_o a_o man_n so_o have_v i_o cause_v the_o whole_a house_n of_o israel_n to_o cleave_v unto_o i_o that_o they_o may_v be_v for_o a_o name_n and_o glory_n deut._n 30.20_o thou_o shall_v cleave_v unto_o he_o because_o he_o be_v thy_o life_n and_o the_o length_n of_o thy_o day_n he_o be_v not_o their_o life_n spiritual_o and_o save_o for_o many_o thus_o exhort_v be_v dead_a and_o in_o their_o sin_n but_o federal_o or_o in_o outward_a covenant_n 5._o if_o they_o shall_v forsake_v and_o break_v loose_a from_o god_n and_o from_o the_o bond_n of_o his_o covenant_n and_o have_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v cast_v themselves_o out_o of_o covenant_n by_o their_o own_o perfidiousness_n &_o breach_n of_o covenant_n that_o one_o will_v think_v now_o there_o be_v no_o more_o hope_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o special_a mean_n to_o encourage_v their_o heart_n to_o return_v again_o even_o when_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v utter_o cast_v off_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v jer._n 3_o 1._o though_o thou_o have_v commit_v whoredom_n with_o many_o lover_n whereby_o the_o covenant_n be_v break_v yet_o return_v unto_o i_o so_o deut._n 4._o if_o when_o you_o be_v scatter_v among_o the_o nation_n and_o shall_v serve_v wood_n &_o stone_n and_o be_v in_o great_a tribulation_n if_o from_o thence_o thou_o seek_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n thou_o shall_v find_v he_o he_o will_v not_o forsake_v thou_o and_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o viz._n his_o remembrance_n of_o the_o covenant_n with_o their_o father_n for_o so_o it_o be_v deut._n 4.27_o 28_o 29_o 30_o 31._o but_o i_o forbear_v to_o name_v more_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o which_o come_v by_o outward_a covenant_n to_o inchurch_v member_n 4._o in_o respect_n of_o other_o their_o good_a be_v very_o great_a for_o 1._o now_o they_o may_v enjoy_v the_o special_a watch_n and_o care_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n which_o otherwise_o they_o must_v want_v 2._o they_o hereby_o have_v the_o more_o fervent_a prayer_n of_o other_o for_o their_o good_a and_o hence_o rom._n 9.1_o 2_o 3._o we_o see_v how_o paul_n upon_o this_o ground_n have_v great_a zeal_n in_o his_o prayer_n for_o the_o jew_n not_o only_o because_o his_o countryman_n but_o especial_o because_o to_o they_o do_v belong_v the_o adoption_n and_o covenant_n &_o they_o have_v gracious_a father_n etc._n etc._n so_o psal_n 89.49_o lord_n remember_v thy_o former_a love_a kindness_n which_o be_v swear_v to_o david_n in_o truth_n and_o hence_o we_o see_v moses_n oft_o plead_v and_o prevail_v with_o god_n in_o prayer_n for_o the_o sin_v israelite_n viz._n oh_o remember_v abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacoâ—_n now_o i_o pray_v you_o lay_v all_o these_o thing_n together_o and_o then_o see_v whether_o you_o have_v any_o cause_n to_o say_v what_o profit_n be_v there_o by_o covenant_n and_o church-membership_a of_o person_n not_o yet_o able_a to_o profess_v the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n quest._n 2._o you_o say_v when_o family_n be_v church_n all_o of_o the_o family_n be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o when_o a_o nation_n be_v a_o church_n all_o that_o be_v of_o that_o nation_n be_v of_o that_o church_n but_o now_o believer_n be_v matter_n of_o the_o church_n what_o if_o none_o be_v admit_v till_o
they_o can_v hold_v forth_o visible_a faith_n will_v not_o many_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v more_o clear_a answ._n in_o these_o word_n there_o be_v a_o threefold_a mistake_n 1._o that_o all_o of_o the_o family_n &_o nation_n in_o former_a time_n be_v of_o the_o church_n this_o 〈…〉_z for_o god_n never_o take_v â—â—y_a to_o be_v his_o church_n but_o 〈◊〉_d they_o be_v believer_n at_o 〈◊〉_d external_o in_o that_o nation_n i_o say_v believer_n which_o either_o be_v profess_v believer_n or_o promise_v believer_n such_o as_o by_o outward_a covenant_n shall_v have_v the_o mean_n to_o be_v make_v believer_n in_o y_o â—_o nation_n and_o hence_o you_o have_v hear_v that_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n stand_v by_o faith_n and_o be_v break_v of_o by_o unbelief_n and_o if_o any_o reject_v the_o covenant_n as_o ishmael_n and_o esau_n they_o be_v not_o of_o that_o church_n though_o they_o do_v and_o may_v dwell_v in_o y_z t_o nation_n as_o doubtless_o thousand_o do_v 2._o you_o think_v that_o visible_a personal_a faith_n only_o make_v the_o church_n and_o member_n of_o it_o which_o â—s_v a_o error_n as_o may_v appear_v from_o many_o thing_n already_o say_v for_o child_n may_v be_v in_o god_n account_n professor_n of_o y_o â—_o faith_n parental_o as_o well_o as_o personal_o i._n e._n in_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o parent_n as_o well_o as_o in_o their_o own_o and_o hence_o you_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o covenant_n god_n enter_v into_o with_o the_o parent_n of_o church-member_n personal_o the_o child_n be_v say_v to_o have_v that_o covenant_n make_v with_o they_o many_o hundred_o year_n 〈◊〉_d see_v for_o this_o purpose_n among_o hundred_o these_o few_o scripture_n haggaâ—_n 2.5_o in_o haggal_n time_n god_n be_v say_v to_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o they_o then_o when_o they_o come_v out_o of_o egypt_n which_o be_v not_o personal_o but_o parental_o so_o hosea_n 12.4_o 5._o when_o god_n enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o jacob_n at_o bethel_n god_n be_v say_v to_o speak_v with_o we_o who_o live_v many_o year_n after_o and_o hence_o the_o child_n many_o year_n after_o challenge_v god_n covenant_n with_o they_o which_o be_v make_v with_o their_o father_n for_o they_o micah_n 7.19_o 20._o hence_o also_o those_o child_n be_v say_v to_o come_v to_o christ_n who_o be_v not_o able_a to_o come_v themselves_o but_o only_a be_v bring_v in_o the_o arm_n of_o other_o to_o christ._n it_o be_v a_o know_a thing_n among_o man_n that_o a_o father_n may_v receive_v a_o giâ—â—_n or_o legacy_n give_v to_o he_o and_o his_o heir_n and_o he_o and_o his_o heir_n be_v bind_v to_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_v by_o which_o it_o be_v convey_v and_o that_o the_o child_n do_v this_o in_o his_o father_n 3._o you_o think_v that_o if_o man_n only_o grow_v up_o and_o able_a to_o profess_v faith_n shall_v be_v of_o the_o church_n than_o all_o thing_n will_v be_v more_o clear_a aboâ—â—_n child_n true_o i_o believe_v the_o quite_o contrary_a upon_o y_fw-es â—_o ground_n before_o lay_v dowâ—_n for_o 1._o hereby_o pollution_n of_o church_n shall_v not_o be_v avoid_v but_o rather_o introduce_v to_o excluâ—â—_n child_n from_o a_o holy-making_a covenant_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v 2._o hereby_o that_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o their_o covenant_n shall_v be_v lose_v not_o gain_v by_o exclude_v they_o out_o of_o covenant_n until_o they_o can_v personal_o profess_v and_o make_v use_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n further_v not_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n and_o here_o let_v i_o conclude_v with_o the_o naked_a profession_n oâ—_n my_o faith_n to_o you_o in_o this_o point_n which_o be_v â—_o bulwark_n of_o defence_n against_o all_o that_o be_v say_v by_o anabaptist_n against_o baptise_v of_o infant_n 1._o that_o the_o child_n of_o profess_v believer_n be_v in_o the_o same_o covenant_n god_n make_v with_o abraham_n abraham_n be_v a_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n and_o not_o of_o one_o nation_n only_o and_o hence_o the_o same_o covenant_n make_v with_o he_o and_o the_o believe_a israel_n in_o that_o nation_n the_o saâ—â—_n covenant_n be_v make_v with_o all_o his_o believe_a seed_n in_o all_o other_o nation_n 2._o that_o baptism_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o our_o first_o entrance_n and_o admission_n into_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v immediate_o apply_v to_o child_n of_o believe_a parent_n as_o soon_o as_o euâ—â—â—hiâ—_n be_v in_o covenant_n and_o that_o be_v as_o soon_o as_o they_o become_v the_o visible_a seed_n 〈…〉_z faithful_a for_o so_o the_o covenant_n to_o abraham_n run_v i_o will_v be_v thy_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o thy_o seed_n not_o only_o his_o elect-seed_n but_o church-seed_n as_o have_v be_v show_v not_o only_o of_o his_o seed_n in_o that_o one_o nation_n but_o in_o all_o nation_n these_o two_o thing_n i_o cannâ—â—â—ell_v how_o to_o avoid_v the_o light_n of_o they_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o the_o ignorance_n of_o these_o make_v so_o many_o anabaptist_n as_o they_o be_v call_v and_o i_o never_o yet_o meet_v with_o any_o thiâ—â—_n write_v by_o they_o and_o much_o i_o have_v read_v that_o be_v of_o any_o considerable_a weight_n to_o overthrow_v these_o but_o i_o forget_v myself_o and_o trouble_v you_o my_o prayer_n be_v and_o shall_v be_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v gâ—ve_v you_o understanding_n in_o all_o these_o thing_n finis_fw-la errata_fw-la preface_n page_n 4._o linâ—_n 20._o read_v wont_a p._n 6._o l._n 7._o r._n y_o it_o have_v fight_v p._n 7._o l._n 28._o r._n spiritâ—â—â—_n page_n 18._o liâ—â—_n 29._o for_o 〈◊〉_d r._n anâ—_n in_o y_fw-fr e_o book_n page_n 11._o line_n 34._o for_o now_o r._n be_v instance_n hereof_o see_v in_o the_o preface_n to_o â—â—e_z act_n of_o the_o synod_n hold_v aâ—_n boston_n 16â—2_n touch_v baptism_n &_o consociation_n of_o church_n cap._n 4._o pag._n 14._o key_n cha._n 4_o pag._n 15._o act._n mon._n vol_n 3._o pag._n 606_o 610._o s._n m._n argum_fw-la 1._o
heaven_n bear_v against_o these_o little_a one_o who_o christ_n have_v take_v in_o to_o himself_o and_o concern_v who_o our_o saviour_n profess_v that_o of_o such_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n luke_n 18.16_o so_o do_v he_o envy_v to_o see_v they_o in_o the_o arm_n of_o christ_n and_o bless_v by_o he_o and_o to_o have_v any_o room_n in_o his_o house_n or_o so_o much_o as_o a_o external_a visible_a interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n with_o the_o initiatory_a seal_n and_o livery_n thereof_o baptism_n be_v the_o seal_n to_o all_o christianity_n it_o be_v satan_n policy_n therefore_o to_o strike_v at_o that_o that_o in_o cashier_v it_o he_o may_v have_v at_o all_o hereunto_o tend_v his_o deal_n with_o witch_n many_o time_n of_o which_o divers_a have_v speak_v in_o cauâ—ing_v they_o when_o they_o become_v first_o his_o proselyte_n solemn_o to_o renounce_v the_o trinity_n into_o the_o name_n of_o which_o they_o have_v be_v baptize_v especial_o their_o salvation_n by_o christ_n and_o say_v cooper_n in_o his_o book_n entitle_v the_o mystery_n of_o witchcraft_n discover_v cap._n 6._o sec._n 1._o pag._n 91._o in_o token_n thereof_o to_o disclaim_v their_o baptism_n a_o ill_a office_n and_o work_n then_o sure_o be_v they_o employ_v in_o who_o way_n and_o endeavour_n shall_v centre_n in_o the_o accomplish_n of_o that_o which_o satan_n have_v be_v so_o busy_o and_o with_o such_o malignity_n for_o so_o many_o age_n undertake_v and_o no_o great_a thanks_o will_v such_o receive_v for_o that_o labour_n from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n another_o day_n if_o christ_n be_v so_o much_o displease_v that_o his_o disciple_n rebuke_v those_o who_o bring_v their_o child_n to_o he_o mark_v 10.14_o and_o if_o the_o apostle_n peter_n receive_v so_o severe_a a_o check_n as_o we_o read_v mat._n 16.22_o 23._o for_o speak_v that_o which_o have_v a_o tendency_n to_o take_v the_o lord_n jesus_n off_o from_o â—aying_v down_o the_o price_n of_o redemption_n how_o much_o more_o than_o will_v he_o be_v now_o displease_v if_o after_o such_o rebuke_n and_o warning_n give_v any_o shall_v attempt_v to_o keep_v from_o he_o and_o deprive_v he_o of_o his_o redeem_a who_o he_o have_v purchase_v by_o so_o dear_a a_o price_n so_o many_o i_o mean_v of_o his_o purchase_a one_o as_o the_o number_n of_o the_o infant_n and_o child_n of_o believer_n deâ—d_v and_o alive_a and_o to_o be_v bear_v amount_n unto_o why_o may_v we_o not_o believe_v that_o a_o exceed_o great_a multitude_n of_o the_o sheep_n that_o shall_v be_v see_v stand_v at_o the_o right_n haâ—d_a of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n shall_v be_v a_o company_n of_o these_o lamb_n as_o to_o withhold_v from_o christ_n so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o his_o purchase_n the_o labour_n of_o the_o anabaptâ—st_n must_v needs_o be_v no_o other_o than_o high_o antichristian_a so_o to_o make_v good_a and_o recover_v the_o interest_n of_o christ_n in_o such_o and_o the_o glory_n which_o he_o obtain_v by_o they_o according_a to_o the_o enlarge_a grant_n of_o the_o charter_n of_o hâ—s_n new-testament_n the_o scope_n and_o work_v of_o these_o few_o sheet_n be_v a_o service_n please_v unto_o christ_n who_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o these_o baâ—â—s_n and_o suckling_n even_o 〈…〉_z mat._n 21.15_o 16._o and_o so_o i_o trust_v will_v be_v acceptable_a to_o his_o people_n who_o when_o as_o they_o must_v go_v down_o to_o the_o dâ—st_n and_o can_v keep_v alive_a their_o own_o soul_n yet_o may_v be_v hold_v their_o seed_n succeed_v they_o in_o the_o service_n &_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v account_v to_o thâ—_n lord_n 〈◊〉_d â—â—generation_n psal._n 22.28_o 29_o 30_o 31._o 〈◊〉_d râ—vet_v in_o locum_fw-la schismatical_o to_o refuse_v to_o hold_v ecclesiastical_a communion_n with_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o child_n of_o believer_n be_v in_o many_o place_n the_o major_a part_n thereof_o be_v a_o rigid_a and_o sinful_a separation_n and_o gratify_v the_o design_n of_o the_o papist_n the_o great_a separatist_n in_o the_o world_n as_o by_o &_o by_o may_v be_v further_o see_v and_o indeed_o the_o lord_n avenge_a the_o quarrel_n of_o his_o covenant_n wherein_o he_o have_v always_o be_v exceed_v jealous_a have_v manifest_v not_o a_o little_a of_o his_o anger_n and_o displeasure_n against_o those_o who_o have_v trouble_v these_o baptismal_a water_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n the_o awful_a and_o tremendous_a passage_n of_o providence_n record_v in_o several_a history_n concern_v the_o original_n and_o progress_n of_o anabaptism_n and_o relate_v to_o god_n strange_a judicial_a hand_n against_o so_o many_o of_o they_o that_o have_v be_v through-paced_n therein_o in_o deliver_v they_o up_o to_o spiritual_a judgement_n to_o believe_v lie_n and_o to_o fall_v step_z by_z step_z into_o almost_o all_o sort_n of_o heresy_n and_o to_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o most_o abhor_a impiety_n and_o loathsome_a wickedness_n and_o outrage_n against_o the_o command_n both_o of_o the_o first_o and_o second_o table_n as_o luther_n bullinger_n calviâ—â—_n beza_n and_o other_o general_o and_o abundant_o testify_v they_o be_v very_o observable_a and_o not_o to_o be_v pass_v over_o slight_o and_o may_v make_v every_o honest_a &_o serious_a heart_n to_o tremble_v when_o ever_o he_o find_v himself_o incline_v to_o that_o path_n to_o this_o purpose_n and_o concern_v anabaptism_n in_o this_o our_o age_n beside_o many_o oâ—ther_n author_n i_o may_v cite_v read_v only_o baxter_n plain_a scripture_n proof_n of_o infant_n church-membership_a pag._n 138_o 139_o 140_o 152._o and_o as_o in_o the_o dawn_n of_o the_o reformation_n begin_v by_o those_o worthy_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o last_o centurie_n anabaptism_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o trâ—j_fw-la in_o hâ—rse_n whereby_o so_o great_a confusion_n do_v befall_v that_o israel_n and_o be_v such_o a_o remora_n to_o that_o glorious_a work_n then_o begin_v in_o germany_n and_o other_o neighbour_a country_n so_o now_o in_o the_o further_a progress_n of_o that_o reformation_n here_o in_o this_o our_o israel_n shall_v anabaptism_n likewise_o especial_o accompany_v with_o donatism_n it_o be_v woâ—ded_a concubine_n brood_n and_o become_v the_o instrument_n or_o medium_n of_o our_o misery_n and_o confusion_n possible_o than_o experience_n a_o flow_n but_o many_o time_n a_o sure_a and_o severe_a instructor_n may_v help_v some_o at_o length_n to_o see_v far_o into_o the_o mystery_n of_o this_o iniquity_n than_o now_o they_o do_v for_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o improbable_a that_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n see_v he_o can_v not_o open_o &_o at_o once_o ruin_v the_o reform_a church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o those_o famous_a servant_n of_o christ_n before_o express_v do_v attempt_v secret_o and_o gradual_o to_o do_v be_v this_o way_n viz._n by_o first_o send_v forth_o his_o emissary_n among_o the_o church_n who_o may_v fill_v they_o with_o the_o smoke_n of_o anabaptism_n that_o so_o he_o may_v the_o more_o secure_o pass_v to_o and_o fro_o be_v undiscerned_a in_o such_o a_o fog_n whence_o what_o mischief_n be_v wrought_v and_o what_o a_o hindrance_n those_o turbulent_a anabaptist_n be_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o that_o age_n for_o that_o be_v the_o first_o time_n of_o their_o swarm_a as_o the_o most_o judicious_a have_v observe_v by_o vilify_n reproach_v and_o decry_v the_o ministry_n cry_v up_o themselves_o as_o the_o most_o godly_a spiritual_a and_o perfect_a judge_v the_o old-testament_n to_o be_v but_o as_o a_o almanac_n out_o of_o date_n deny_v scripture-consequence_n give_v false_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n especial_o by_o allegory_n wrest_v the_o same_o to_o their_o own_o destruction_n make_v and_o foment_v schism_n and_o faction_n in_o the_o church_n deny_v the_o magistrate_n coercive_a power_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n make_v their_o own_o fanatic_a spirit_n the_o supreme_a judge_n unto_o all_o kind_n of_o disorder_n etc._n etc._n the_o write_n of_o the_o godly_a learned_a in_o those_o time_n do_v abundant_o even_o to_o amazement_n inform_v we_o and_o indeed_o the_o great_a consent_n and_o harmony_n between_o the_o main_a tenet_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n and_o papist_n in_o this_o point_n give_v not_o a_o a_o little_a ground_n for_o holy_a jealousy_n too_o sad_o to_o suspect_v at_o what_o backdoor_n it_o be_v that_o the_o anabaptist_n first_o creep_v forth_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o the_o controversy_n between_o the_o protestant_n and_o the_o papist_n we_o shall_v general_o and_o abundant_o find_v the_o papist_n deny_v the_o hoâ—â—ness_n of_o the_o infant_n of_o beleiver_n before_o baptism_n and_o how_o near_o of_o kin_n this_o be_v to_o anabaptism_n the_o reader_n may_v easy_o guess_v and_o in_o like_a manner_n deny_v that_o great_a truth_n as_o be_v afterward_o show_v in_o this_o treatise_n viz._n that_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n with_o abraham_n under_o the_o
because_o they_o be_v of_o the_o family_n of_o household_n but_o because_o they_o be_v godly_a or_o the_o child_n of_o such_o as_o be_v godly_a in_o the_o family_n for_o abraham_n servant_n and_o household_n be_v such_o as_o he_o can_v and_o do_v command_v to_o keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o so_o be_v obedient_a to_o god_n in_o he_o gen._n 18.19_o and_o we_o see_v they_o do_v obey_v and_o do_v receive_v that_o new_a strange_a &_o painful_a sign_n of_o circumcision_n about_o the_o nature_n and_o use_n of_o which_o no_o doubt_n he_o first_o instruct_v they_o and_o in_o the_o place_n you_o mention_n gen._n 35.4_o they_o give_v to_o jacob_n all_o man_n strange_a god_n &_o eatâ—â—ings_n to_o worship_n god_n more_o pure_o and_o its_o evident_a exod._n 12.45_o that_o every_o one_o in_o the_o family_n have_v not_o to_o do_v with_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o church_n &_o therefore_o now_o not_o of_o the_o church_n though_o of_o the_o family_n for_o a_o foreigner_n or_o hire_a servant_n be_v not_o to_o eat_v of_o the_o passover_n nor_o be_v every_o one_o who_o be_v buy_v with_o money_n to_o eat_v oft_o until_o they_o be_v circumcise_a ver_n 44._o nor_o be_v 〈◊〉_d such_o to_o be_v circumcise_v until_o they_o be_v willing_a &_o desireous_a to_o eat_v the_o passeover_n &_o that_o unto_o the_o lord_n then_o indeed_o they_o &_o they_o be_v first_o to_o be_v circumcise_a ver_n 4â—_n and_o although_o this_o be_v not_o express_o set_v down_o gen._n 17._o in_o abraham_n family_n yet_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o as_o one_o scripture_n give_v light_a unto_o another_o so_o this_o scripture_n in_o exo._n show_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o in_o these_o time_n if_o therefore_o the_o servant_n who_o be_v godly_a in_o the_o family_n be_v only_o to_o be_v circumcise_v and_o their_o child_n bear_v in_o the_o house_n with_o they_o than_o this_o example_n be_v no_o way_n lead_v to_o corrupt_a church_n as_o you_o fear_v it_o will_v but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a that_o if_o proseâ—â—te_a servant_n then_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n together_o with_o their_o seed_n much_o more_o be_v they_o receive_v now_o and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o defile_v the_o church_n then_o neither_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o they_o will_v do_v so_o now_o and_o i_o beseech_v you_o consider_v of_o it_o that_o god_n be_v then_o as_o careful_a of_o keep_v his_o church_n holy_a as_o in_o these_o day_n especial_o in_o the_o first_o constitution_n of_o it_o as_o in_o this_o of_o abraham_n gen._n 17._o and_o hence_o god_n be_v as_o much_o provoke_v by_o their_o unholiness_n then_o as_o by_o any_o unholiness_n now_o 1_o pet._n 1_o 16._o suppose_v therefore_o as_o you_o imagine_v that_o all_o the_o household_n whether_o profane_a or_o holy_a be_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o covenant_n and_o so_o to_o the_o seal_n of_o it_o do_v you_o think_v that_o this_o course_n of_o admit_v all_o profane_a person_n then_o will_v not_o make_v the_o lord_n soon_o weary_a of_o and_o angry_a with_o those_o family-churche_n as_o well_o as_o of_o national_a or_o congregational_a now_o upon_o the_o like_a supposition_n if_o therefore_o any_o servant_n bear_v in_o the_o house_n or_o hire_v be_v admit_v sure_o they_o be_v not_o such_o unholy_a one_o who_o the_o lord_n can_v not_o but_o be_v as_o much_o angry_a with_o then_o as_o now_o but_o they_o be_v godly_a and_o holy_a at_o least_o in_o outward_a profession_n upon_o which_o ground_n the_o lord_n command_v they_o to_o be_v circumcise_a i_o know_v there_o be_v some_o and_o very_o holy_a &_o learned_a also_o who_o think_v that_o if_o any_o godly_a man_n undertake_v to_o be_v aâ—_n a_o father_n to_o a_o adopt_a pagan_a or_o indian_a that_o such_o a_o one_o not_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n be_v from_o the_o example_n in_o gen._n 17._o to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o â—eale_v of_o it_o and_o i_o confess_v i_o yet_o see_v no_o convict_a argument_n against_o it_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o some_o servant_n buy_v with_o abraham_n money_n be_v such_o and_o be_v under_o year_n but_o i_o see_v as_o yet_o no_o convict_a argument_n for_o this_o assertion_n from_o this_o example_n and_o therefore_o i_o stick_v to_o the_o former_a answer_n and_o see_v no_o reason_n from_o any_o rule_n of_o charity_n but_o to_o believe_v that_o all_o those_o in_o abraham_n family_n be_v either_o visible_o godly_a or_o the_o child_n of_o such_o to_o who_o circumcision_n belong_v and_o consequent_o may_v as_o well_o partake_v of_o church-membership_a as_o abraham_n himself_o which_o sort_n of_o servant_n in_o these_o day_n may_v as_o well_o be_v admit_v to_o church-membership_a without_o fear_n of_o defile_v the_o church_n as_o their_o master_n themselves_o object_n 2._o if_o child_n say_v you_o be_v member_n than_o all_o child_n good_a and_o bad_a must_v be_v receive_v as_o jacob_n and_o esaâ—_n &c_n &c_n answ._n why_o not_o for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o strength_n in_o this_o argument_n it_o hold_v as_o strong_o against_o the_o admission_n of_o profess_v visible_a believer_n where_o though_o all_o be_v external_o and_o federal_o holy_a yet_o some_o yea_o many_o yea_o the_o great_a part_n of_o such_o may_v be_v inward_o â—ad_v and_o as_o profane_v in_o their_o heart_n as_o esau_n and_o must_v we_o therefore_o refuse_v they_o to_o be_v church-member_n because_o many_o of_o they_o may_v be_v inward_o bad_a very_o there_o must_v then_o never_o be_v church_n of_o god_n in_o this_o world_n so_o it_o be_v among_o child_n they_o be_v all_o outward_o holy_a yet_o many_o of_o they_o may_v be_v inward_o unholy_a like_a esau_n must_v we_o not_o therefore_o accept_v they_o to_o membership_n it_o be_v a_o miserable_a mistake_n to_o think_v that_o inward_a real_a holiness_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o admission_n into_o church-membership_n as_o some_o anabaptist_n dispute_n but_o it_o be_v federal_a holiness_n whether_o external_o profess_v as_o in_o grow_v person_n or_o gracious_o promise_v unto_o their_o seed_n reply_v 1_o but_o you_o here_o reply_v if_o so_o than_o they_o be_v of_o the_o church_n when_o they_o be_v grow_v up_o and_o profane_a until_o they_o be_v cast_v out_o and_o to_o take_v in_o profane_a be_v sinful_a ezek._n 44._o answ._n it_o be_v very_o true_a for_o it_o be_v herein_o just_a as_o it_o be_v in_o admit_v profess_v believer_n they_o may_v prove_v profane_a and_o continue_v so_o in_o church-membership_a until_o they_o be_v cast_v out_o but_o be_v this_o therefore_o any_o ground_n to_o keep_v out_o those_o who_o be_v personal_o holy_a by_o their_o own_o profession_n no_o very_o why_o then_o shall_v such_o as_o be_v parental_o and_o federal_o holy_a be_v keep_v out_o from_o church-membership_n because_o they_o may_v prove_v profane_a and_o be_v profane_a must_v remain_v church-member_n till_o they_o be_v cast_v out_o reply_v 2_o but_o then_o you_o say_v they_o must_v be_v church-member_n though_o their_o parent_n themselves_o and_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v unwilling_a thereunto_o even_o as_o say_v you_o a_o man_n that_o marry_v a_o woman_n her_o child_n must_v be_v he_o and_o he_o be_v a_o father_n to_o they_o though_o he_o and_o she_o and_o they_o shall_v say_v â—e_n shall_v not_o be_v a_o father_n in_o law_n to_o they_o answ._n this_o similitude_n of_o marriage_n do_v neither_o prove_v nor_o illustrate_v the_o thing_n for_o the_o relation_n between_o father_n and_o such_o child_n be_v absolute_a &_o natural_a and_o hence_o continue_v though_o they_o say_v he_o shall_v not_o be_v their_o father_n and_o though_o he_o profess_v he_o will_v not_o but_o the_o relation_n found_v upon_o church-covenant_n between_o member_n and_o member_n be_v not_o natural_a not_o only_o and_o allway_o absolute_a but_o also_o conditional_a which_o condition_n not_o be_v â—ept_v the_o relation_n may_v be_v and_o be_v usual_o break_v for_o look_v as_o the_o jew_n be_v not_o so_o absolute_o god_n people_n but_o if_o they_o do_v in_o time_n reject_v the_o gospel_n they_o be_v to_o be_v cast_v off_o and_o indeed_o be_v so_o at_o this_o day_n rom._n 2.25_o hosea_n 2.2_o act_n 13.46_o â—1_n so_o it_o be_v with_o all_o gentile_a church_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o &_o as_o for_o that_o which_o you_o last_o say_v that_o they_o may_v refuse_v their_o parent_n covenant_n at_o age_n as_o well_o as_o own_o iâ—_n and_o so_o may_v member_n go_v out_o at_o pleasure_n which_o be_v disorder_n i_o answer_v that_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o such_o member_n as_o come_v in_o by_o personal_a profession_n for_o they_o may_v renounce_v their_o own_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o the_o church_n one_o may_v do_v so_o and_o so_o may_v twenty_o